Intelligent electronic device

ABSTRACT

An intelligent electronic device (TED) is provided. The IED includes a metering sub-assembly and an input base module sub-assembly. The metering sub-assembly is hinged to the input base module sub-assembly, where when in an open position, various cables, connectors, and input/output cards/modules are accessible. Various input/output cards/modules are interchangeable to add/change functionality and/or communication capabilities to the IED.

PRIORITY

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 62/126,049 filed Feb. 27, 2015, entitled “INTELLIGENT ELECTRONICDEVICE”, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference inits entirety.

BACKGROUND Field

The present disclosure relates generally to intelligent electronicdevices (IEDs).

Description of the Related Art

Monitoring of electrical energy by consumers and providers of electricpower is a fundamental function within any electric power distributionsystem. Electrical energy may be monitored for purposes of usage,equipment performance and power quality. Electrical parameters that maybe monitored include volts, amps, watts, vars, power factor, harmonics,kilowatt hours, kilovar hours and any other power related measurementparameters. Typically, measurement of the voltage and current at alocation within the electric power distribution system may be used todetermine the electrical parameters for electrical energy flowingthrough that location.

Devices that perform monitoring of electrical energy may beelectromechanical devices, such as, for example, a residential billingmeter or may be an intelligent electronic device (“IED”). Intelligentelectronic devices typically include some form of a processor. Ingeneral, the processor is capable of using the measured voltage andcurrent to derive the measurement parameters. The processor operatesbased on a software configuration. A typical consumer or supplier ofelectrical energy may have many intelligent electronic devices installedand operating throughout their operations. IEDs may be positioned alongthe supplier's distribution path or within a customer's internaldistribution system. IEDs include revenue electric watt-hour meters,protection relays, programmable logic controllers, remote terminalunits, fault recorders and other devices used to monitor and/or controlelectrical power distribution and consumption IEDs are widely availablethat make use of memory and microprocessors to provide increasedversatility and additional functionality. Such functionality includesthe ability to communicate with remote computing systems, either via adirect connection, e.g., a modem, a wireless connection or a network.IEDs also include legacy mechanical or electromechanical devices thathave been retrofitted with appropriate hardware and/or software allowingintegration with the power management system.

Typically, an IED is associated with a particular load or set of loadsthat are drawing electrical power from the power distribution system.The IED may also be capable of receiving data from or controlling itsassociated load. Depending on the type of IED and the type of load itmay be associated with, the IED implements a power management functionthat is able to respond to a power management command and/or generatepower management data. Power management functions include measuringpower consumption, controlling power distribution such as a relayfunction, monitoring power quality, measuring power parameters such asphasor components, voltage or current, controlling power generationfacilities, computing revenue, controlling electrical power flow andload shedding, or combinations thereof.

SUMMARY

An intelligent electronic device (IED) is provided.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an intelligentelectrical device (IED) includes an input base module sub-assemblyincluding base having a plurality of apertures, a first, second, andthird current input blade disposed in a respective aperture and acorresponding fourth, fifth, and sixth input current blade disposed in arespective aperture; a metering sub-assembly including a first, second,and third current plate disposed on a first surface of the meteringsub-assembly and a corresponding fourth, fifth, and sixth current platedisposed on a second surface of the metering sub-assembly opposite tothe first surface, the first current plate coupled to the first currentinput blade, the second current plate coupled to the second currentinput blade, the third current plate hingedly coupled to the thirdcurrent input blade, the fourth current plate coupled to the fourthcurrent input blade, the fifth current plate coupled to the fifthcurrent input blade, and the sixth current plate hingedly coupled to thesixth current input blade, wherein the input base module sub-assemblycan be pivoted about the third current plate and third current inputblade and the sixth current plate and sixth current input blade toachieve an open position and a closed position relative to the meteringsub-assembly; and at least one current sensor that senses currentprovided to a respective current input blade.

In one aspect, a combined width of the first, second, and third currentplates substantially covers the first surface of the meteringsub-assembly and a combined width of the fourth, fifth, and sixthcurrent plates substantially covers the second surface of the meteringsub-assembly.

In another aspect, the metering sub-assembly includes a bezel thatsupports a display.

In a further aspect, the IED includes a battery backup circuit for areal-time clock, wherein a removable battery is hot-swappable.

In yet another aspect, a battery detection is configured to detect if aremovable battery is coupled to a battery receptacle and if theremovable battery is holding a predetermined charge.

In another aspect, at least one voltage input blade is coupled to afilter/suppression module of the input base module sub-assembly.

In a further aspect, at least one spring contact is disposed on asurface of the filter/suppression module, wherein the at least onespring contact is coupled to at least one voltage input blade.

In yet another aspect, the metering sub-assembly includes at least oneslot that is accessible when the metering sub-assembly is in an openposition relative to the input base module sub-assembly, the at leastone slot configured to receive a card to add functionality and/orcommunication capability to the IED.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a device forfiltering sensed voltage and providing power to an intelligentelectronic device is provided including at least one contact pad coupledto at least one voltage input, the at least one voltage input senses atleast one voltage phase of an electrical distribution system; at leastone current limiter coupled to the at least one contact pad; at leastone suppressor coupled to the current limiter; and at least onerectifier coupled to the at least one current limiter and at least onesuppressor. The filtering device provides full surge suppression attransient voltage conditions, i.e., the filtering device snubs transientvoltage events that traditionally damage conventional meters and thusimproves reliability of meters/IEDs utilizing the filtering device ofthe present disclosure.

In one aspect, the filtering device includes varistors for suppressingphase-to-phase voltage transients, while a clamping device suppressesphase-to-earth voltage transients.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other objects, features and advantages of the presentdisclosure will be apparent from a consideration of the followingDetailed Description considered in conjunction with the drawing Figures,in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an intelligent electronic device (IED),according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an intelligent electronic device (IED)in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 2A-2D illustrate exemplary form factors for an intelligentelectronic device (IED) in accordance with embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the IED shown in FIG. 2 with a coverremoved in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the IED shown in FIG. 2 in accordance withan embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the IED shown in FIG. 2 with an outerhousing removed in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 6 is a top side view of the IED shown in FIG. 5 in accordance withan embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a left side view of the IED shown in FIG. 5 in accordance withan embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a bottom side view of the IED shown in FIG. 5 in accordancewith an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a right side view of the IED shown in FIG. 5 in accordancewith an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is another exploded view of the IED shown in FIG. 2 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of a metering sub-assembly shown in FIG. 10in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the IED illustrating current barsinstalled in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13A is a perspective view of an IED illustrating a current wrapconfiguration in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 13B is a perspective front of a current plate holder in accordancewith an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13C is a front view of the current plate holder shown in FIG. 13B.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the IED shown in FIG. 13A with acurrent holder plate installed in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 15 is a partial perspective view of the IED shown in FIG. 3 with abattery door removed in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 16 is a partial perspective view of the IED shown in FIG. 3 with abattery drawer removed in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 17A is an exploded view of an input base module sub-assembly shownin FIG. 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 17B is a front perspective view of a base in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 17C is a rear perspective view of a base in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 18 is a partial cross section of the input base module sub-assemblyin accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 19 illustrates a voltage terminal contacting an input filter boardin accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 20A is a perspective view of the input base module sub-assembly inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 20B and 20C illustrate a front perspective view and a rearperspective view of a filter box cover in accordance with an embodimentof the present disclosure.

FIG. 21 is a side perspective view of the input base module sub-assemblyin accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 22 is a rear left perspective view of the IED shown in FIG. 2 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 23A is a perspective view of the IED shown in FIG. 5 hinged open inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 23B illustrates a patch cable in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 23C is a front view of a connector of the patch cable shown in FIG.23B.

FIG. 23D is a side view of the connector shown in FIG. 23C.

FIG. 23E illustrates a patch cable in accordance with another embodimentof the present disclosure.

FIG. 24 is a top side view of the IED shown in FIG. 23 in accordancewith an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 25 is a side elevational view of the IED shown in FIG. 23 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 26 illustrates the IED shown in FIG. 23 with various input/outputcards removed in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 27A illustrates a top surface of a filter board in accordance withan embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 27B illustrates a bottom surface of a filter board in accordancewith an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 28 illustrates a filter board assembly in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 29 is an electrical schematic diagram of a filter/suppressioncircuit in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 30 is an electrical schematic diagram of a battery backup circuitfor a real-time clock (RTC) in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described herein belowwith reference to the accompanying drawings. In the followingdescription, well-known functions or constructions are not described indetail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure in unnecessary detail.The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example,instance, or illustration.” Any configuration or design described hereinas “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred oradvantageous over other configurations or designs. Herein, the phrase“coupled” is defined to mean directly connected to or indirectlyconnected with through one or more intermediate components. Suchintermediate components may include both hardware and software basedcomponents.

It is further noted that, unless indicated otherwise, all functionsdescribed herein may be performed in either hardware or software, orsome combination thereof. In one embodiment, however, the functions areperformed by at least one processor, such as a computer or an electronicdata processor, digital signal processor or embedded micro-controller,in accordance with code, such as computer program code, software, and/orintegrated circuits that are coded to perform such functions, unlessindicated otherwise.

It should be appreciated that the present disclosure can be implementedin numerous ways, including as a process, an apparatus, a system, adevice, a method, or a computer readable medium such as a computerreadable storage medium or a computer network where program instructionsare sent over optical or electronic communication links.

As used herein, intelligent electronic devices (“IEDs”) can be anydevice that senses electrical parameters and computes data including,but not limited to, Programmable Logic Controllers (“PLC's”), RemoteTerminal Units (“RTU's”), electric power meters, panel meters,protective relays, fault recorders, phase measurement units, serialswitches, smart input/output devices and other devices which are coupledwith power distribution networks to manage and control the distributionand consumption of electrical power. A meter is a device that recordsand measures power events, power quality, current, voltage waveforms,harmonics, transients and other power disturbances. Revenue accuratemeters (“revenue meter”) relate to revenue accuracy electrical powermetering devices with the ability to detect, monitor, report, quantifyand communicate power quality information about the power that they aremetering.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an intelligent electronic device (IED) 10for monitoring and determining power usage and power quality for anymetered point within a power distribution system and for providing adata transfer system for faster and more accurate processing of revenueand waveform analysis.

The IED 10 of FIG. 1 includes a plurality of sensors 12 coupled tovarious phases A, B, C and neutral N of an electrical distributionsystem 11, a plurality of analog-to-digital (A/D) converters 14,including inputs coupled to the sensor 12 outputs, a power supply 16, avolatile memory 18, a non-volatile memory 20, a multimedia userinterface 22, and a processing system that includes at least one of acentral processing unit (CPU) 50 (or host processor) and one or moredigital signal processors, two of which are shown, i.e., DSP1 60 andDSP2 70. The IED 10 also includes a Field Programmable Gate Array 80which performs a number of functions, including, but not limited to,acting as a communications gateway for routing data between the variousprocessors 50, 60, 70, receiving data from the A/D converters 14,performing transient detection and capture and performing memorydecoding for CPU 50 and the DSP processor 60. In one embodiment, theFPGA 80 is internally comprised of two dual port memories to facilitatethe various functions. It is to be appreciated that the variouscomponents shown in FIG. 1 are contained within housing 90. Exemplaryhousings will be described below in relation to FIGS. 2 and 2A-2H.

The plurality of sensors 12 sense electrical parameters, e.g., voltageand current, on incoming lines, (i.e., phase A, phase B, phase C,neutral N), from an electrical power distribution system 11 e.g., anelectrical circuit. In one embodiment, the sensors 12 may includecurrent transformers and potential/voltage transformers, wherein onecurrent transformer and one voltage transformer may be coupled to eachphase of the incoming power lines. A primary winding of each transformermay be coupled to the incoming power lines and a secondary winding ofeach transformer may output a voltage representative of the sensedvoltage and current. The output of each transformer may be coupled tothe A/D converters 14 configured to convert the analog output voltagefrom the transformer to a digital signal that can be processed by theCPU 50, DSP1 60, DSP2 70, FPGA 80 or any combination thereof.

A/D converters 14 are respectively configured to convert an analogvoltage output to a digital signal that is transmitted to a gate array,such as Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) 80. The digital signal isthen transmitted from the FPGA 80 to the CPU 50 and/or one or more DSPprocessors 60, 70 to be processed in a manner to be described below.

The CPU 50 or DSP Processors 60, 70 are configured to operativelyreceive digital signals from the A/D converters 14 (see FIG. 1) toperform calculations necessary to determine power usage and to controlthe overall operations of the IED 10. In some embodiments, CPU 50, DSP160, DSP2 70 and FPGA 80 may be combined into a single processor, servingthe functions of each component. In some embodiments, it is contemplatedto use an Erasable Programmable Logic Device (EPLD) or a ComplexProgrammable Logic Device (CPLD) or any other programmable logic devicein place of the FPGA 80. In some embodiments, the digital samples, whichare output from the A/D converters 14, are sent directly to the CPU 50or DSP processors 60, 70, effectively bypassing the FPGA 80 as acommunications gateway, thus eliminating the need for FPGA 80 in certainembodiments.

The power supply 16 provides power to each component of the IED 10. Inone embodiment, the power supply 16 is a transformer with its primarywindings coupled to the incoming power distribution lines 11 and havingwindings to provide a nominal voltage, e.g., 5 VDC, +12 VDC and −12 VDC,at its secondary windings. In other embodiments, power may be suppliedfrom an independent power source to the power supply 16. For example,power may be supplied from a different electrical circuit or anuninterruptible power supply (UPS).

In one embodiment, the power supply 16 may be a switch mode power supplyin which the primary AC signal will be converted to a form of DC signaland then switched at high frequency, such as, for example, 100 Khz, andthen brought through a transformer to step the primary voltage down to,for example, 5 Volts AC. A rectifier and a regulating circuit may thenbe used to regulate the voltage and provide a stable DC low voltageoutput. Other embodiments, such as, but not limited to, linear powersupplies or capacitor dividing power supplies are also contemplated tobe within the scope of the present disclosure.

The multimedia user interface 22 is shown coupled to the CPU 50 in FIG.1 for interacting with a user and for communicating events, such asalarms and instructions to the user. The multimedia user interface 22may include a display 23 for providing visual indications to the userand a front panel interface 21 including indictors, switches and variousinputs. The display 23 may be embodied as a touch screen, a liquidcrystal display (LCD), a plurality of LED number segments, individuallight bulbs or any combination. The display may provide information tothe user in the form of alpha-numeric lines, computer-generatedgraphics, videos, animations, etc. The multimedia user interface 22further includes a speaker or audible output means for audibly producinginstructions, alarms, data, etc. The speaker is coupled to the CPU 50via a digital-to-analog converter (D/A) for converting digital audiofiles stored in a memory 18 or non-volatile memory 20 to analog signalsplayable by the speaker. An exemplary interface is disclosed anddescribed in commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 8,442,660, entitled“INTELLIGENT ELECTRONIC DEVICE HAVING AUDIBLE AND VISUAL INTERFACE”,which claims priority to expired U.S. Provisional Patent Appl. No.60/731,006, filed Oct. 28, 2005, the contents of which are herebyincorporated by reference in their entireties.

It is to be appreciated that the display and/or user interface 22 of thepresent disclosure is programmable and may be configured to meet theneeds of a specific user and/or utility. An exemplary programmabledisplay and/or user interface 22 is disclosed and described in commonlyowned pending U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0010831, thecontents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0010831 provides fordefining screens of a display on a revenue based energy meter, anintelligent electronic device, etc. In one embodiment, a method utilizesModbus registers and defines a programming technique wherein a user cancustom make any desired screen for every application based on what auser needs. The programming utilizes Modbus registers maps to allow forthe customizable screens. Moreover, the display interface allows forcustomized labeling to provide notice and information to users as tomeasured parameters other than electricity that the meter might beaccumulating such as steam, water, gas or other type of commodity.

The IED 10 will support various file types including but not limited toMicrosoft Windows Media Video files (.wmv), Microsoft Photo Story files(.asf), Microsoft Windows Media Audio files (.wma), MP3 audio files(.mp3), JPEG image files (.jpg, .jpeg, .jpe, .jfif), MPEG movie files(.mpeg, .mpg, .mpe, .m1v, .mp2v .mpeg2), Microsoft Recorded TV Showfiles (.dvr-ms), Microsoft Windows Video files (.avi) and MicrosoftWindows Audio files (.wav).

An input/output (I/O) interface 25 may be provided for receving inputsgenerated externally from the IED 10 and for outputing data, e.g.,serial data, a contact closure, etc., to other devices. In oneembodiment, the I/O interface 25 may include a connector for receivingvarious cards and/or modules that increase and/or change thefunctionality of the IED 10. Such cards and/or module will be furtherdescribed below.

The IED 10 further comprises a volatile memory 18 and a non-volatilememory 20. In addition to storing audio and/or video files, volatilememory 18 may store the sensed and generated data for further processingand for retrieval when called upon to be displayed at the IED 10 or froma remote location. The volatile memory 18 includes internal storagememory, e.g., random access memory (RAM), and the non-volatile memory 20includes non-removable and removable memory such as magnetic storagememory; optical storage memory, e.g., the various types of CD and DVDmedia; solid-state storage memory, e.g., a CompactFlash card, a MemoryStick, SmartMedia card, MultiMediaCard (MMC), SD (Secure Digital)memory; or any other memory storage that exists currently or will existin the future. By utilizing removable memory, an IED can be easilyupgraded as needed. Such memory may be used for storing historicaltrends, waveform captures, event logs including time-stamps and storeddigital samples for later downloading to a client application,web-server or PC application.

In a further embodiment, the IED 10 may include a communication device24, also know as a network interface, for enabling communicationsbetween the IED or meter, and a remote terminal unit, programmable logiccontroller and other computing devices, microprocessors, a desktopcomputer, laptop computer, other meter modules, etc. The communicationdevice 24 may be a modem, network interface card (NIC), wirelesstransceiver, etc. The communication device 24 may perform itsfunctionality by hardwired and/or wireless connectivity. The hardwireconnection may include but is not limited to hard wire cabling e.g.,parallel or serial cables, RS232, RS485, USB cable, Firewire (1394connectivity) cables, Ethernet, and the appropriate communication portconfiguration. The wireless connection may operate under any of thevarious wireless protocols including but not limited to Bluetooth™interconnectivity, infrared connectivity, radio transmissionconnectivity including computer digital signal broadcasting andreception commonly referred to as Wi-Fi or 802.11.X (where x denotes thetype of transmission), satellite transmission or any other type ofcommunication protocols, communication architecture or systems currentlyexisting or to be developed for wirelessly transmitting data includingspread spectrum 900 MHz, or other frequencies, Zigbee, WiFi, or any meshenabled wireless communication.

The IED 10 may communicate to a server or other computing device such asa client via the communication device 24. The client may comprise anycomputing device, such as a server, mainframe, workstation, personalcomputer, hand held computer, laptop, telephony device, networkappliance, other IED, Programmable Logic Controller, Power Meter,Protective Relay etc. The IED 10 may be connected to a communicationsnetwork, e.g., the Internet, by any means, for example, a hardwired orwireless connection, such as dial-up, hardwired, cable, DSL, satellite,cellular, PCS, wireless transmission (e.g., 802.11a/b/g), etc. It is tobe appreciated that the network may be a public or private intranet, anextranet, a local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), theInternet or any network that couples a plurality of computers to enablevarious modes of communication via network messages. Furthermore, theserver may communicate using various protocols such as TransmissionControl Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), File Transfer Protocol(FTP), Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), etc. and secure protocolssuch as Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS), Internet ProtocolSecurity Protocol (IPSec), Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP),Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) Protocol, etc. Communications may alsoinclude IP tunneling protocols such as those that allow virtual privatenetworks coupling multiple intranets or extranets together via theInternet. The server may further include a storage medium for storing adatabase of instructional videos, operating manuals, etc.

In an additional embodiment, the IED 10 may also have the capability ofnot only digitizing waveforms, but storing the waveform and transferringthat data upstream to a central computer, e.g., a remote server, when anevent occurs such as a voltage surge or sag or a current short circuit.This data may be triggered and captured on an event, stored to memory,e.g., non-volatile RAM, and additionally transferred to a host computerwithin the existing communication infrastructure either immediately inresponse to a request from a remote device or computer to receive saiddata in response to a polled request. The digitized waveform may alsoallow the CPU 50 to compute other electrical parameters such asharmonics, magnitudes, symmetrical components and phasor analysis. Usingthe harmonics, the IED 10 may also calculate dangerous heatingconditions and can provide harmonic transformer derating based onharmonics found in the current waveform.

In a further embodiment, the IED 10 may execute an e-mail client and maysend e-mails to the utility or to the customer direct on an occasionthat a power quality event occurs. This allows utility companies todispatch crews to repair the condition. The data generated by the metersare used to diagnose the cause of the condition. The data may betransferred through the infrastructure created by the electrical powerdistribution system. The email client may utilize a POP3 or otherstandard mail protocol. A user may program the outgoing mail server andemail address into the meter. An exemplary embodiment of said meteringis available in U.S. Pat. No. 6,751,563, which all contents thereof areincorporated by reference herein. In the U.S. Pat. No. 6,751,563, atleast one processor of the IED or meter is configured to collect the atleast one parameter and generate data from the sampled at least oneparameter, wherein the at least one processor is configured to act as aserver for the IED or meter and is further configured for presenting thecollected and generated data in the form of web pages.

In a further embodiment, the IED 10 of the present disclosure maycommunicate data from an internal network to a server, client, computingdevice, etc. on an external network through a firewall, as disclosed anddescribed in commonly owned U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2013/0031201, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by referencein its entirety.

The techniques of the present disclosure can be used to automaticallymaintain program data and provide field wide updates upon which IEDfirmware and/or software can be upgraded. An event command can be issuedby a user, on a schedule or by digital communication that may triggerthe IED 10 to access a remote server and obtain the new program code.This will ensure that program data will also be maintained allowing theuser to be assured that all information is displayed identically on allunits.

It is to be understood that the present disclosure may be implemented invarious forms of hardware, software, firmware, special purposeprocessors, or a combination thereof. The IED 10 also includes anoperating system and micro instruction code. The various processes andfunctions described herein may either be part of the micro instructioncode or part of an application program (or a combination thereof) whichis executed via the operating system.

It is to be further understood that because some of the constituentsystem components and method steps depicted in the accompanying figuresmay be implemented in software, or firmware, the actual connectionsbetween the system components (or the process steps) may differdepending upon the manner in which the present disclosure is programmed.Given the teachings of the present disclosure provided herein, one ofordinary skill in the related art will be able to contemplate these andsimilar implementations or configurations of the present disclosure.

Furthermore, it is to be appreciated that the components and devices ofthe IED 10 of FIG. 1 may be disposed in various housings depending onthe application or environment.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the IED of the present disclosure may beconfigured as a socket meter 100, also known as a S-base type meter ortype S meter. The meter 100 includes a main housing 102 surrounded by acover 104. The cover 104 is preferably made of a clear material toexpose a display 106 disposed on a bezel 108 of the housing 102. Aninterface 110 to access the display and a communication port 112 is alsoprovided and accessible through the cover 104. The interface 110 mayinclude a switch, for example, to reset values, and/or buttons forentering or confirming input values. The meter 100 further includes aplurality of current terminals and voltage terminals (not shown)disposed on the backside of the meter extending through a base 114, thedetails of which will be described below. The terminals are designed tomate with matching jaws of a detachable meter-mounting device, such as arevenue meter socket. The socket is hard wired to the electrical circuitand is not meant to be removed. To install an S-base meter, the utilityneed only plug in the meter into the socket. Once installed, asocket-sealing ring (not shown) is used as a seal between the meterhousing 102 and/or cover 104 and the meter socket to prevent removal ofthe meter and to indicate tampering with the meter.

In a further embodiment, the IED 100 of FIG. 2 may be disposed in aswitchboard or draw-out type housing 116 as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B,where FIG. 2A is a front view and FIG. 2B is a rear view. Theswitchboard enclosure 116 usually features a cover 118 with atransparent face 120 to allow the meter display 106 to be read and theuser interface 110 to be interacted with by the user. The cover 118 alsohas a sealing mechanism (not shown) to prevent unauthorized access tothe meter. A rear surface 122 of the switchboard enclosure 116 providesconnections for voltage and current inputs 124 and for variouscommunication interfaces 126. Although not shown, the meter disposed inthe switchboard enclosure 116 may be mounted on a draw-out chassis whichis removable from the switchboard enclosure 116. The draw-out chassisinterconnects the meter electronics with the electrical circuit. Thedraw-out chassis contains electrical connections which mate withmatching connectors 124, 126 disposed on the rear surface 122 of theenclosure 116 when the chassis is slid into place. Exemplary housings,enclosures and/or cases are shown and described in commonly owned U.S.Design Pat. Nos. D706,659, D706,660, D708,082 and D708,533.

In yet another embodiment, the IED 100 of FIG. 2 may be disposed in aA-base or type A housing as shown in FIGS. 2C and 2D. A-base meters 128feature bottom connected terminals 130 on the bottom side of the meterhousing 132. These terminals 130 are typically screw terminals forreceiving the conductors of the electric circuit (not shown). A-basemeters 128 further include a meter cover 134, meter body 136, a display138 and input/output means 140. Further, the meter cover 134 includes aninput/output interface 142. The cover 134 encloses the meter electronics144 and the display 138. The cover 134 has a sealing mechanism (notshown) which prevents unauthorized tampering with the meter electronics.

It is to be appreciated that other housings and mounting schemes, e.g.,circuit breaker mounted, are contemplated to be within the scope of thepresent disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 3, 4 and 10, housing 102 includes an upper clam shellhalf 150 and a lower clam shell half 152. The upper clam shell half 150and lower clam shell half 152 are secured to each other via a pluralityof screws 149. Each of the upper clam shell half 150 and the lower clamshell half 152 include a plurality of louvers 200 to allow heat toescape. In one embodiment, the upper clam shell half 150 and lower clamshell half 152 each include a shiny or reflective finish, e.g., a chromefinish, on an outer surface to reflect sunlight in outdoor applicationsto avoid heating up the internal components of the IED 100. In oneembodiment, the reflective finish is applied to the upper clam shellhalf 150 and lower clam shell half 152 as a first sticker 151 and asecond sticker 153, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 10. Internal to the housing102, the IED 100 includes a metering sub-assembly 154 and an input basemodule sub-assembly 156, the details of which will be described below.As shown in FIG. 4, the metering sub-assembly 154 is hinged to the inputbase module sub-assembly 156. When in an open position, various cables,connectors, and input/output cards/modules are exposed, as will bedescribed below.

Referring to FIGS. 5-9, various views of the IED 100 are illustratedwith the housing 102 removed. The metering sub-assembly 154 is hinged tothe input base module sub-assembly 156 via current plates 158, 160, 162,164, 166, 168 and current input blades 170, 172, 174, 176, 178, 180respectively. Each current plate is coupled to a respective currentinput blade via spring loaded screw. For example, current plate 158 iscoupled to current input 170 via screw 182, current plate 160 is coupledto current input 172 via screw 184, current plate 162 is coupled tocurrent input 174 via screw 186, current plate 164 is coupled to currentinput 176 via screw 188, current plate 166 is coupled to current input178 via screw 190 and current plate 168 is coupled to current input 180via screw 192. The current input path for each combination of currentplates and current inputs is completed by a current bar 194, 196, 198.For example, when the IED is coupled to a three phase system, thecurrent input path for phase A flows through current input 170 tocurrent plate 158 through current bar 194 through current plate 164 andthrough current input 176. The current input path for phase B flowsthrough current input 172 to current plate 160 through current bar 196through current plate 166 and through current input 178. The currentinput path for phase C flows through current input 174 to current plate162 through current bar 198 through current plate 168 and throughcurrent input 180. It is to be appreciated that the current bars 194,196, 198 pass through current sensing circuits disposed within meteringsub-assembly 154, the details of which will be described below.Additionally, the current inputs, current plates and current bars may bemade of highly electrically conductive material such as copper, however,other materials may be used.

It is further to be appreciated that the current plates 158, 160, 162,164, 166, 168 are relatively wide to have increased surface area. Theincreased surface area allows high current to pass through.Additionally, the large surface area of the current plates 158, 160,162, 164, 166, 168 act as a heat sink drawing heat generated internal tothe metering sub-assembly 154 and dissipating such heat throughventilation slots or louvers 200 disposed on the housing 102. In certainembodiments, the delta T, i.e., temperature change, of the heat drawnaway and dissipated by the current plates is approximately 10 degrees F.As best shown in FIGS. 4 and 10, the louvers 200 are positioned on arespective calm shell half 150, 152 to approximately align overrespective current plates to allow heat to dissipate through the louvers200. To facilitate drawing heat away from the internal electroniccomponents of the metering sub-assembly 154, current plates 158, 160,162, 164, 166, 168 are disposed on at least one surface of an innerhousing 206 of the metering sub-assembly 154. For example, referring toFIG. 5, current plate 160 includes at least a first aperture 146 and atleast a second aperture 148, where the first and second apertures 146,148 align and secure the current plate 160 via alignment post 155 andlocking tab 157. Although not specifically pointed out, each currentplate includes at least one first aperture for receiving an alignmentpost and at least one second aperture for receiving a securing orlocking tab, e.g., a mushroom tab. As can be seen in FIGS. 5, 6 and 8,the combined widths of current plates 158, 160, 162 substantially covera first surface 145, or top surface, of the inner housing, while currentplates 164, 166, 168 substantially cover a second surface 147, or bottomsurface. Also, it is to be appreciated that, in one embodiment, housing206 of metering sub-assembly 154 also includes louvers 201 to furtheraid in the dissipation of heat generated by the IED Generally, thecurrent plates are aligned over the louvers 201 to draw heat from theinside of the housing 206.

FIG. 10 is another exploded view of the IED shown in FIG. 2 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The upper clamshell half 150 and lower clam shell half 152 of the housing 102 areillustrated. The metering sub-assembly 154 and an input base modulesub-assembly 156 are shown spaced apart from each other.

Referring to FIG. 11, an exploded view of the metering sub-assembly 154is illustrated. The metering sub-assembly 154 includes an upper innercase 202 and lower inner case 204 to collectively form an inner housing206. The upper inner case 202 and lower inner case 204 are coupledtogether, for example, by screws 205. A back plate 208 is disposed on arear portion of the inner housing 206. A DSP board assembly 210 isdisposed on a front portion 207 of the inner housing 206. The DSP boardassembly 210 includes the display 106 and at least one processor on arear surface thereof. In one embodiment, the display 106 may be a touchsensitive display or user interface as disclosed and described incommonly owned U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0180613, thecontents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.In one embodiment, a user may interact with the display 106 by directlytouching a surface of the display 106. In another embodiment, a user mayinteract with the display 106 while the cover 104 is disposed over theIED 100 by touching a portion of the cover 104 that is approximatelyaligned over the display 106.

A VIP board assembly 212 is disposed in the inner housing 206perpendicular to the DSP board assembly 210 and electrically coupledthereto. The VIP board assembly 212 includes a plurality of currentsensors 214 disposed thereon. The current sensors 214 are positioned onthe VIP board assembly 212 to accept the current bars 194, 196, 198through a respective center of the current sensors 214 when the currentbars 194, 196, 198 are disposed in apertures 216 of the upper inner case202. A similar current sensing technique is described in commonly ownedU.S. Pat. No. 7,271,996, the contents of which are hereby incorporatedby reference in its entirety.

Referring to FIG. 12, the current bars 194, 196, 198 are shown disposedin apertures 216 of the upper inner case 202. As described above, thecurrent input path for each combination of current plates and currentinputs is completed by a current bar 194, 196, 198. For example, whenthe IED is coupled to a three phase system, the current input path forphase C flows through current input 174 to current plate 162 throughcurrent bar 198 through current plate 168 and through current input 180.Each current rod is coupled to a respective current plate via aplurality of fasteners, such as washers/clips and nuts. Referring toFIGS. 10 and 12, current bar 198 is threaded on each end. A first washeror clip 161 and first nut 163 is coupled to first end 165 of current bar198. An aperture 167 of current plate 186 is disposed over the first end165 of current bar 198 and secured by second washer or clip 169 andsecond nut 171. Similarly, a third washer or clip 173 and third nut 175is coupled to second end 177 of current bar 198. An aperture 179 ofcurrent plate 168 is disposed over the second end 177 of current bar 198and secured by fourth washer or clip 169 and fourth nut 171. Currentbars 194, 196 are assembled in a similar manner. It is to be appreciatedthat the current bars 194, 196, 198 limit movement of the meteringsub-assembly 154 in the XYZ coordinate directions and provide structuralstrength.

To achieve more accurate current sensing at lower current ranges, a wiremay be used in lieu of the current bars. A wire 181, 183, 185 isdisposed through a respective aperture 216 and wound about the currentsensor 214 internal to the metering sub-metering 154 by repeatedlyinserting the respective wire through the aperture 216 as shown in FIG.13A. The wire 181, 183, 185 is wrapped a predetermined number of times,e.g., about ten turns. After the wire is wrapped the predeterminednumber of turns, each end of the respective wire is coupled to arespective current plate. For example, wire 181 is coupled to currentplate 158 on one end and to current plate 164 on the other end; wire 183is coupled to current plate 160 on one end and to current plate 166 onthe other end; and wire 185 is coupled to current plate 162 on one endand to current plate 168 on the other end.

In this embodiment, a current plate holder 187 provides structuralstrength similar to the strength provided by the current bars. Aperspective view of the current plate holder 187 is shown in FIG. 13Band a front view of the current plate holder is shown in FIG. 13B. Afirst end 189 of the current plate holder 187 includes apertures orslots 191 that interact with current plates 158, 160, 162 and a secondend 193 of the current plate holder 187 includes apertures or slots 195that interact with current plates 164, 166, 168. As shown in FIG. 14,the current plate holder 187 is disposed over the portion of themetering sub-assembly 154 including wires 181, 183, 185. The first end189 of the current plate holder 187 including apertures 191 interactwith current plates 158, 160, 162 and the second end 193 of the currentplate holder 187 including apertures 195 interact with current plates164, 166, 168. In one embodiment, the current plate holder 187 snapsonto the current plates, i.e., a portion of the current plate snaps intothe apertures or slots 191, 195, however, other configurations arecontemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure. Thecurrent plate holder 187 may include apertures 197 to dissappate heatgenerated by the wires 181, 183, 185.

Referring back to FIG. 11, a RS485/KYZ board assembly 218 is alsodisposed in the inner housing 206 perpendicular to the DSP boardassembly 210 and electrically coupled thereto. It is to be appreciatedthat the DSP board assembly 210 is configured to accept and be coupledto other boards, for example, input/output boards that are disposed inthe inner housing 206 via back plate 208. Such mounting/couplingtechniques are disclosed and described in commonly owned U.S. Pat. No.8,587,949, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference init entirety. Additionally, a plastic divider sheet 219 is disposed inthe inner housing 206 separating the VIP board assembly 214 from othercomponents, for example, the RS485/KYZ board assembly 218 and/orfunction modules or cards.

The DSP board assembly 210 is protected by bezel 108. In certainembodiments, a sticker 109 having identifying information, instructions,etc., is disposed over the bezel 108. Buttons 220 extends throughapertures 222 in the bezel 108 and contact an input mechanism on a frontsurface of the DSP board assembly 210. The DSP board assembly 210includes a battery receptacle 224 which when a battery is disposedtherein provides battery backup to at least one storage device forretaining data upon a power loss and/or battery backup power for a realtime clock (RTC) upon a power loss. To access the battery receptacle224, the bezel 108 includes a battery aperture or window 226, as alsoshown in FIGS. 11, 15 and 16. The battery aperture 226 is configured toaccept a battery drawer 228 that is configured to retain a battery 230therein. When the battery drawer 228 is disposed in the battery window226, a battery door 232 is disposed in the battery window 226 to securethe battery drawer 228. In one embodiment, the battery drawer 228 andthe battery door 232 may be a single, unitary piece, wherein the battery230 may be removed by removing the battery door 232. It is to beappreciated that the battery 230 is replaceable or “hot swappable”, thatis, battery 230 may be changed without powering down the IED 100 so theIED 100 may remain in service. Additionally, the IED 100 includes abattery detection circuit for determining if the battery is holding acharge and for providing an indication, via the user interface, that thebattery needs to be replaced, as will be described in greater detailbelow.

Referring to FIGS. 17, 20A and 21, the input base module sub-assembly156 is illustrated, where FIG. 17A is an exploded view of the input basemodule sub-assembly 156, FIG. 20A is a perspective view of the inputbase module sub-assembly 156 and FIG. 21 is a side view of the inputbase module sub-assembly 156.

The input base module sub-assembly 156 includes generally circular base114 having a plurality of aperture or slots 234 for receiving currentand voltage input blades. The base 114 is shown in further detail inFIGS. 17B and 17C. A plurality of current input blades 170, 172, 174,176, 178, 180 are provided. Each current input blade 170, 172, 174, 176,178, 180 includes a first end 236 and a second end 238 which areconfigured in perpendicular planes relative to each other. The first end236 includes a shoulder tab 240 for providing a stop when at least onegasket is placed over the first end 236. In one embodiment, a metalgasket 242 is placed over the first end 236 and positioned against theshoulder tab 240. Additionally, a rubber gasket 244 may be placed overthe first end 236 and positioned against the metal gasket 242. The firstend 236 is disposed in an appropriate slot 234 in the base 114, e.g. acurrent blade aperture or slot 235. The current blade is secured to thebase by disposing a fixing member 246, e.g., a cotter pin, in aperture248 of the first end 236 of the current blade. An exemplary fixingmember 246 disposed in aperture 248 is shown in FIG. 22.

A plurality of voltage input blades 250 are provided for sensingvoltage. Each voltage input blade 250 includes a first end 252 and asecond end 254. The second end 254 includes a shoulder tab 256 forproviding a stop when at least one gasket is placed over the first end252. In one embodiment, a metal gasket 258 is placed over the first end252 and positioned against the shoulder tab 256. Additionally, a rubbergasket 260 may be placed over the first end 252 and positioned againstthe metal gasket 258. The first end 252 is disposed in an appropriateslot 234 in the base 114, e.g., voltage blade aperture or slot 237. Thevoltage blade 250 is secured to the base by displacing tab 262 from theplane of the blade 250 as to make contact with the base 114.

A filter board 264 is disposed over the voltage input blades 250 andbetween the second ends 238 of the current input blades. Each voltageinput blade 250 includes a contact 266 which is configured to haveperpendicular surface with respect to the blade. Once the filter boardis positioned on the base 114, each contact 266 makes contact with aninput 276 on a rear surface 278 of the filter board 264, as shown inFIGS. 18 and 19. Referring to FIG. 19, each voltage input 276 of thefilter board 264 includes a spring contact 280. By providing a springcontact 280 on the voltage input 276, no soldering is required betweenthe voltage input 276 and the voltage blade 250 facilitating assembly.Additionally, since soldered is not used to rigidly fix the voltageblade, the filter board and/or voltage blade is less susceptible tobeing broken during the forces used when installing the IED, forexample, into or out of a standard ANSI meter socket. Voltage sensed byeach voltage input blade 250 is provided to the filter board 264 whichsubsequently provides power to other portions of the IED and at leastone signal indicative of the voltage sensed via connector 268, thedetails of which are described below. It is to be appreciated thatconnector 268 is coupled to filter board 264 via cable 386.

The filter board 264 is secured to the base 114 via screws or othermeans 270 coupled to standoffs 272, e.g., at least four standoffs areshown in FIG. 17A. A filter box cover 274 is disposed over the filterboard 264, as shown in FIGS. 20A and 21, to protect the filter board 264and to route wires and cables from the base 114 to other portions of theIED as will be described below. It is to be appreciated that FIGS. 20Band 20C show additional views of filter box cover 274 and will bedescribed in greater detail below.

Referring to FIG. 22, a rear left perspective view of the IED shown inFIG. 2 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure isprovided. As discussed previously, the base 114 includes a plurality ofapertures 234 for receiving the current and voltage input bladesinternally so the current and voltage input blades extend from the rearsurface 290 of the base 114. The base 114 further employs universalquick connectors for coupling wires to the base 114. For example, asseen in FIG. 22, base 114 includes apertures 307, 308, 310, 312, and313, where connector 300 is disposed in aperture 307, connector 298 isdisposed in aperture 308, connector 296 is disposed in aperture 310,connector 294 is disposed in aperture 313, and connector 292 is disposedin aperture 312. In one embodiment, connectors 292, 294, 296, 298, 300include RJ-45 receptacles and apertures 307, 308, 310, 312, and 313 areconfigured to provide access to each receptacle. At least one of theconnectors, for example, connector 296, is employed for RS-485communications and for an KYZ pulse and is coupled to RS485/KYZ boardassembly 218 (via cable 341 and connector 342 as can be seen in FIG. 4and will be described in greater detail below). The other connectors292, 294, 296, 300 can be internally coupled to various communicationmodules and/or input/output modules disposed in the inner housing 206.Connector 302 is provided to be coupled to an external, auxiliary powersource when the internal components of the IED are not powered via thesensed voltage provided to a respective load being monitored by the IED.Additionally, meter hanger 303 is rotatably coupled to the base 114 viapin 305.

It is to be appreciated that one side of each connector includes areceptacle that can be accessed via a respective aperture of base 114and the other side of each connector is configured to be coupled tovarious modules disposed in the inner housing 206 via a cable. Forexample, referring again to FIG. 20A, the rear sides or portions ofconnectors 292, 294, 296, 298, and 300 are shown disposed throughapertures 312, 313, 310, 308, and 307 respectively. Connector 292includes rear portion 293, connector 294 includes rear portion 295,connector 296 includes rear portion 340, connector 298 includes rearportion 299, and connector 300 includes rear portion 301. Connectors292, 294, 296, 300 are coupled to base 114 via an I/O connector frame.Referring to FIG. 26, a single I/O connector frame 315 and a double I/Oconnector frame 317 are shown. In one embodiment, the connectors 292,294, 296, 300 snap-in to an appropriate apperture of the I/O connectorframe, e.g., aperture 319 of the single I/O connector frame 315.

Referring again to FIG. 22, it is to be appreciated that base 114includes rear surface 290 which is offset from surface 304 by edge 306.Edge 306 allows for routing of cables that are coupled to the variousconnectors 292, 294, 296, 298, 300, when the IED is disposed in asocket. Furthermore, connector apertures 307, 308, 310, 312, and 313include curved surfaces 314, 316, 318, where curved surface 314corresponds to apertures 307 and 308, curved surface 316 corresponds toaperture 310, and curved service 318 corresponds to apertures 312 and313 to allow for a 90 degree radius of a bend for any wire or cablecoupled to a respective connector. By providing curved surfaces 314,316, 318, cables coupled to the various connectors 292, 294, 296, 298,300 are less susceptible to damage as opposed to having a sharp orsquared edge at the apertures, i.e., the cables may conform to thecurved surfaces without having to make abrupt bends.

Referring to FIGS. 23A, 24 and 25, a perspective view of the IED 100hinged open in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosureis illustrated in FIG. 23A, with a top view shown in FIG. 24 and a sideelevational view shown in FIG. 25. As described above, the meteringsub-assembly 154 is hinged to the input base module sub-assembly 156 viacurrent plates 158, 160, 162, 164, 166, 168 and current input blades170, 172, 174, 176, 178, 180 respectively. Each current plate is coupledto a respective current input blade via a spring loaded, captive screw.By uncoupling at least two corresponding sets of the spring loadedscrews, the IED is hingedly opened to expose a front portion of theinput base module sub-assembly 156 and a rear portion of the meteringsub-assembly 154. For example, by uncoupling screw 182 and correspondscrew 188 and screw 184 and corresponding screw 190, the meteringsub-assembly 154 and the input base module sub-assembly 156 will behingedly coupled via screw 186 and corresponding screw 192, i.e., tomove the IED 100 to an open position as shown in FIGS. 23-25 and aclosed position as shown in FIGS. 5-9. By employing spring loaded,captive screws 182, 184, 186, 188, 190, 192, the screws enable arespective current blade to be disengaged from a respective currentinput blade, while the screw remains coupled to the respective currentplate to prevent loss of the screw. It is to be appreciated that othertypes of fasteners, in lieu of spring loaded captive screws, may beemployed to couple a current plate to a respective current input blade.It is further to be appreciated that each current input blade includesan aperture for receiving or mating with the screws 182, 184, 196, 188,190, 192. For example, current input blade 170 includes aperture 199 formating with screw 182. Although not specifically pointed out, eachcurrent input blade includes a similar aperture.

In the open position, wiring between the metering sub-assembly 154 andthe input base module sub-assembly 156 is facilitated. For example, arear side 340 of connector 296 is exposed on the input base modulesub-assembly 156. In one embodiment, the metering sub-assembly 154includes a RS-485/KYZ connector 342, where RS-485/KYZ connector 342 iscoupled to a receptacle 347 (shown in FIG. 26) which is coupled toRS-485/KYZ board 218. RS-485/KYZ connector 342 can then be coupled tothe rear side 340 of connector 296, for example, via a patch cab1. It isto be appreciated that patch cable 341 can be seen coupled to connector342 and rear portion 340 of connector 296 in FIGS. 4 and 5.Additionally, the metering sub-assembly 154 includes connector 268 whichincludes a power input portion 346 and a voltage sensing input portion348. Power and voltage sensed is provided by the filter board 264 toconnector 268 via cable 386. It is to be appreciated that cable 386 canbe seen coupled to connector 268 in FIG. 4. The connector 268 isreceived by receptacle 344 (most clearly shown in FIG. 26), wherereceptacle 344 is coupled to the VIP board 212.

The functionality of the IED 100 can be expanded by the addition offunction modules or cards disposed in the metering sub-assembly 154 andcoupled to the DSP board assembly 210. Referring to FIG. 26, functionmodules or cards 320, 322 are disposed in the metering sub-assembly 154via apertures or slots 324, 326 in the back plate 208. When the functionmodules or cards 320, 322 are fully seated in the metering sub-assembly154, an edge 328, 330 of the function modules or cards 320, 322respectively are received by an appropriate connector of the DSP boardassembly 210 and is thus coupled thereto.

It is to be appreciated that the function modules or cards 320, 322 mayadd functionality to the IED by including additional processing devices,additional memories or a combination thereof that work in cooperation,or independently, with the processing devices of the DSP board assembly210. In other embodiments, the function modules or cards 320, 322 mayexpand the input/output (I/O) and/or the communication capabilities ofthe IED. For example, exemplary I/O modules or cards may include a fourchannel bi-directional 0-1 mA output card, a four channel 4-20 mA outputcard, a two relay output/two status input card, a four pulse output/fourstatus input card, etc. or any combination thereof.

Exemplary communication cards or modules may include a 100 Base TEthernet card, an IEC 61850 protocol Ethernet card, a fiber opticcommunication card, among others. It is to be appreciated that theEthernet card or module may add at least one of the followingcapabilities and/or protocols to the IED including, but not limited to,Modbus TCP, DNP 3.0, File Transfer Protocol (FTP), Simple Mail TransferProtocol (SMTP), SNMP, encryption, IEEE 1588 time sync, etc. It isfurther to be appreciated that two communication cards or modules may beemployed to provide dual Ethernet ports. In one embodiment, the dualEthernet ports may be configured such that each port is independent andcommunicatively isolated from the other port. Such a configuration isdescribed in commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 7,747,733, the contents ofwhich are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. In thisembodiment, each port has a unique identifier, e.g., an IP address, andmay be connected to a different network than the other port. In anotherembodiment, each port connects to the same network. In this embodiment,each port may have the same identifier, e.g., IP address, wherein one ofthe two ports acts as an Ethernet switch to facilitate network wiring.

It is to be appreciated that the above-mentioned list of cards and/ormodules, whether intelligent or passive, is not exhaustive and othertypes of inputs, outputs and communication protocols are contemplated tobe within the scope of the present disclosure. Further exemplary cardsand/or modules and techniques for coupling such cards and/or modules toadd functionality, capabilities, etc. are disclosed and described incommonly owned U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,184,904 and 7,994,934, the contents ofwhich are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

Referring back to FIG. 23A, a 100 Base T Ethernet card 332 is showninserted into slot 324 and a two relay output/two status input card 334is shown inserted into slot 326. Card 332 includes a connector 336,e.g., an RJ-45 receptacle, which may then be coupled via a patch cableto a connector on the base 114, for example, rear portion 299 ofconnector 298. Similarly, card 334 includes a connector 338, e.g., acrimp connector. It is to be appreciated that the patch cables may beconfigured with preformed ends to facilitate installation. Referring toFIGS. 23B-23D, an exemplary patch cable 321 is provided. The patch cable321 may be configured to include connector 298 on one end of amulticonductor cable 325 and a RJ45 plug 323 on the other end of thecable 325. In this manner, the RJ45 plug 323 of the patch cable 321merely needs to be plugged into the connector 336 on card 332 and theconnector 298 needs to be mated to the I/O connector frame 317, e.g.,plugged or snapped into. It is further to be appreciated that the RJ45connector and connector 289 are merely exemplary and other types ofplugs, receptacles, connectors, etc. are contemplated to be within thescope of the present disclosure.

It is to be appreciated that certain types of cards may be coupled toseparate connectors on base 114 for separate input/output communication.For example, in one embodiment, the two relay output/two status inputcard 334 is configured to be coupled to two different connectors coupledto base 114. In one embodiment, the top portion of connector 338 may becoupled via a patch cable to a connector on the base 114, for example,rear portion 301 of connector 300 for input communication and the bottomportion of connector 338 may be coupled via a patch cable to anotherconnector on the base 114, for example, rear portion 293 of connector292. In another embodiment, the patch cable may be configured to includea single connector on one end for interacting with connector 338 of card334, while the other end of the patch cable include two separateconnectors, e.g, connector 292 and connector 300. Such an exemplarypatch cable is shown in FIG. 23E as cable 327. Patch cable 327 includesa single connector 329 for coupling to connector 338 of card 334. Theconnector 329 is coupled to a first multiconductor cable 331 terminatingwith connector 300 and connector 329 is coupled to a secondmulticonductor cable 333 terminating with connector 292. Legend 335indicates an exemplary wiring configuration between connector 329 andconnector 292 and legend 337 indicates an exemplary wiring configurationbetween connector 329 and connector 300.

It is to be appreciated that when no additional function modules orcards are used, a blank plate (not shown) is disposed over slots 332,334. Furthermore, it is to be appreciated that when no additionalfunction module or cards are used, one or more of connectors 292, 294,296, 298, and/or 300 may be removed and blank plates or covers (notshown) may be disposed over apertures 307, 308, 310, 312, and/or 313. Inone embodiment, the blank plates or covers disposed over apertures 307,308, 310, 312, and/or 313 may interact with an aperture of the I/Oconnector frame to secure the covers to the base 114.

In one embodiment, when one or more of connectors 292, 294, 296, 298,300 is coupled to base 114, the receptacle of each respective connectorthat is coupled to base 114 is color coded, where the color of thereceptacle (as seen from the rear side of the base 114 as shown in FIG.22) corresponds to the type of card or module the respective connectoris coupled to internally in the IED. In this way, when the IED is in aclosed position (i.e., the current plates of metering sub-assembly 154are each coupled to the current input blades of input base modulesub-assembly 156) the type of modules and/or cards included in the IEDand connected to a respective connector on base 114 is readilydiscernable by a user without the need to open the IED. A legendincluding the colors associated with each connector may be included on asurface of the IED. For example, in one embodiment, a legend may beincluded on sticker 151 disposed on upper clam shell half 150 or onsticker 153 disposed on lower clam shell half 152 (as seen in FIG. 10).The legend may include various colors assigned to the differentcards/modules that can be included in the IED. For example, in oneembodiment, the legend may have the color white associated with an 100Base T Ethernet card, the color green associated with an IEC 61850protocol Ethernet card, the color yellow associated with the fourchannel bi-directional 0-1 mA output card, the color black associatedwith the four channel 4-20 mA output card, and the color grey associatedwith RS-485/KYZ card. It is to be appreciated that the legend may alsoinclude colors associated to one of two ports of a card (i.e., input oroutput) for cards that are connected to two different connectors on base114. For example, in one embodiment the legend may have the color pinkassociated with the input of the four pulse output/four status inputcard, the color blue with the output of the four pulse output/fourstatus input card, the color brown associated with the input of the tworelay output/two status input card (e.g., card 334 in FIG. 26), and thecolor purple associated with the output of the two relay output/twostatus input card. It is to be appreciated that the above describedcolor associations are merely exemplary and that any color associationcan be used to indicate which connector coupled to base 114 isassociated to a specific card/module of the IED.

Referring to FIGS. 20B and 20C, perspective views of front side 275 andrear side 271 of filter box cover 274 are shown in accordance with thepresent disclosure. As stated above, filter box cover 274 is configuredto protect filter board 264 and to facilitate the routing of wires fromconnectors coupled to base 114 to other portions of the IED. Filter boxcover 274 includes a plurality of clips 284 that enable the filter boxcover 274 to be snapped onto the filter board 264. When filter box cover274 is coupled to the filter board 264, filter board 264 is disposed inthe interior 277 of filter box cover 274 and is protected. Filter boxcover 274 also includes a plurality of louver 282 to facilitate thedissipation of heat generated by filter board 264 and other componentsof the IED.

Additionally, in one embodiment, filter box cover 274 includes apertures279, 286, and 288, where apertures 286 and 288 can also be seen in FIGS.20A and 23. Aperture 279 is configured to provide an opening or path forcable 386 (as seen in FIGS. 6, 12, 13, 14, and 24) which couples filterboard 264 to receptacle 344 when filter board 264 is disposed in theinterior of filter box cover 274 and filter box cover 274 is coupled tobase 114. Aperture 286 is configured to receive and pass through a cablecoupled to one of rear portion 299 of connector 298 or rear portion 301of connector 300 and a connector (such as connector 336 or connector338) coupled to a card (such as card 320 or card 322) disposed in one ofslots 324 and 326. Aperture 288 is configured to receive and passthrough a cable coupled to one of rear portion 295 of connector 296 andrear portion 293 of connector 294 and a connector (such as connector 336or connector 338) coupled to a card (such as card 320 or card 322)disposed in one of slots 324 and 326.

As described above, voltage sensed by each voltage input blade 250 isprovided to the filter board 264 which subsequently provides power toother portions of the IED and at least one signal indicative of thevoltage sensed from the electrical distribution system via cable 286 andconnector 268. Referring to FIG. 27A, a top surface 360 of the filterboard 264 is illustrated, while FIG. 27B illustrates the bottom surface278 of the filter board 264. The bottom surface 278 of the filter board264 includes at least one contact pad 362, 364, 366, 368 that is coupledto a corresponding voltage input 276, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19. Thesensed voltage is then passed through the various components of the IEDto provide a sensed voltage for example, for each phase of an electricaldistribution system, and provide power as will be described in relationto FIG. 29.

The sensed voltage for each phase is provided by a contact point on thetop surface 360 of the filter board 264. Referring to FIG. 27A, contactpoint 370 provides sensed voltage for phase A, contact point 372provides sensed voltage for phase B, contact point 374 provides sensedvoltage for phase C, and contact point 376 provides sensed voltage forneutral. Additionally, power is provided through contact point 378 forDC+, contact point 380 for DC− and contact point 382 for ground.Referring to FIG. 28, a filter board assembly 384 includes the filterboard 264, a wiring harness or cable 386 and connector 268. FIG. 28illustrates the wiring between the filter board 264 and connector 268 asindicated by legend 388. The sensed voltage for each phase and power forvarious components of the IED are transmitted from the filter board 264via cable 386 to the VIP board 212. In certain embodiments, the sensedvoltage for each phase may be further transmitted to the DSP board 210for further processing. It is to be appreciated that the wiring harnessor cable 386 may include a twisted pair connection to reduce noise andprevent other interfering signals from being wrongfully coupled to thewiring harness or cable 268. In other embodiment, the wiring harness orcable 268 may be enclosed by a ferrite bead noise reduction filter tolimit an amount of conducted and radiated noise being emitted from theIED.

Referring to FIG. 29, an electrical schematic diagram of the filterboard circuit in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosureis provided. It is to be appreciated that similar reference numbersand/or labels (e.g., D1 for diode, R1 for resistor) shown in FIG. 29correspond to reference numbers and/or labels on the filter board 264shown in FIGS. 27A and 27B. Voltage is sensed, via input voltage blades250, and input to the circuit 390 at contact pads 362, 364, 366, 368.The input voltage initially passes through a current limiting section392 where a current limiting resistor R1, R2, R3, R4, is coupled inseries with each voltage input. The output of the current limitingresistors R1, R2, R3, R4 is transmitted to a rectifier section 394. Asuppressor section 396 is coupled in parallel to the transmission pathsbetween the current limiting section 392 and rectifier section 394. Thesuppressor section 396 includes at least one at capacitor and at leastone metal oxide varistor (MOV) coupled in parallel with each voltageinput path. For example, the voltage input path for phase A 398 includesa series combination of capacitors C1, C14 in parallel with path 398 andone metal oxide varistor MOV1 coupled in parallel with the path 398; thevoltage input path for phase B 400 includes a series combination ofcapacitors C2, C15 in parallel with path 400 and one metal oxidevaristor MOV2 coupled in parallel with the path 400; the voltage inputpath for phase C 402 includes a series combination of capacitors C3, C16in parallel with path 402 and one metal oxide varistor MOV3 coupled inparallel with the path 402; and the voltage input path for neutral 404includes a series combination of capacitors C4, C17 in parallel withpath 404 and one metal oxide varistor MOV4 coupled in parallel with thepath 404. Capacitors C1-C4, C14-C17 are provided for suppressing noise.The metal oxide varistors MOV1, MOV2, MOV3, MOV4 clamp the input voltageto prevent an over-voltage surge condition between each phase which mayresult in damage to the rectifier section 394 or other componentsthereafter. The values of the metal oxide varistors MOV1, MOV2, MOV3,MOV4 shown in FIG. 29 are exemplary values and are chosen based on theratings of the components of the rectifier section 394 and componentsthereafter. Additionally, a common mode clamping device 406, e.g., a gastube, is provided for clamping the voltage between any sensed phase andearth potential. Resistor (R6) 407 is provided in series with clampingdevice 406 to reduce current flow through clamping device 406 therebyextending the useful life of clamping device 406 and other components inthe circuit. By employing earth potential as the reference for eachphase provides for a safer environment as compared to conventional IEDsor meters that employ neutral as the reference.

It is to be appreciated that the current limiting resistors R1, R2, R3,R4 and resistor R6 407 limit the amount of current passing through themetal oxide varistors MOV1, MOV2, MOV3, MOV4 and clamping device 406 toprevent damage to the metal oxide varistors MOV1, MOV2, MOV3, MOV4 andclamping device 406 and lengthen their lifetime.

The rectifier section 394 receives AC voltage as sensed by the voltageinput blades and converts the AC voltage to a DC voltage. The DC voltageis then passed to the common mode choke or filter 408, e.g., aninductor, to prevent electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radiofrequency interference (RFI) on the power supply lines. The DC voltageis then passed to buffer 410 for storing energy to be supplied via DC+378 and DC− 380. The buffer 410 includes capacitors C5, C6, C7, C8 andresistors R5, R8. An additional noise suppression section 412 isoptionally provided at the output including capacitors C9, C11, C12,C13.

In another embodiment, voltage used for supplying power to the variouscomponents of the IED may be supplied via an auxiliary power source,e.g., coupled to auxiliary connector 302 as shown in FIG. 22. In thisembodiment, sensed voltage via pads 362, 364, 366, 368 is provided tothe VIP board 212 for determining the respective voltages of theelectrical distribution system and components R1, R2, R3, R4 are removedso the sensed voltage does not pass to the rectifier section 394.Auxiliary power provided via connector 302 is coupled to contact point414 (VCMID) and contact point 416 (VNMID) which is then passed torectifier section 394. In this embodiment, only portion 418 ofsuppression section 396 is employed and components C1, C14, MOV1, C2,C15 and MOV2 may be removed. The remaining circuit operates as describedabove.

It is to be appreciated that the filter board 264 provides full surgesupression at transient voltage conditions, i.e., the filter board 264snubs transient voltage events that traditionally damage conventionalmeters and thus improves reliability of meters/IEDs utilizing the filterboard 264 of the present disclosure. That is, the metal oxide varistorsMOV1, MOV2, MOV3, MOV4 suppress phase-to-phase voltage transients, whilethe clamping device 406 suppresses phase-to-earth voltage transients. Itis further to be appreciated that line surge suppression is not found inrevenue meters or revenue IEDs, and therefore, it is envisioned thatother forms of line surge suppression may be designed and that such linesurge suppression techniques are contemplated to be within the scope ofthe present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 30, an electrical schematic diagram of a batterybackup circuit 500 in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure is provided. The circuit 500 includes a real-time clock (RTC)502 that generates a clock signal that may be used by CPU 50 todetermine an amount of energy cosumed by a load over a given period oftime, e.g., revenue metering. Under normal operating conditions, the RTC502 is powered via pin 4 (i.e., input VCC), where pin 4 receives apredetermined voltage, e.g., 3.3 volts, from a power supply which may bepowered by filter board circuit 390. Upon a loss of power provided topin 4 of RTC 502, a battery 504 provides power to the RTC 502 via pin 16(i.e., inout VBAT) so the RTC 502 maintains proper time. It is to beappreciated that battery 504 is battery 230 shown in FIG. 16. Byemploying circuit 500 as configured in FIG. 30, the battery 504 may beremoved and replaced without powering down the IED 100 and/or the RTC502, i.e., the IED 100 may remain in service while the battery is beingreplaced.

Additionally, the circuit 500 includes a battery detection circuit,e.g., comparator 506, that compares a voltage level of battery 504 witha predetermined voltage level, e.g., 3.3 volts, to generate a signalindicating that the battery 504 needs to be replaced. The predeterminedvoltage is input to pin 5 (i.e., input VCC) of comparator 506. Pin 3 ofthe comparator (i.e., input INP) is in parallel with the battery 504.When the comparator 506 determines that the voltage at pin 3 is belowthe predetermined voltage applied to pin 5, the comparator 506 generatesa signal 508 (i.e., BATTMONITOR) indicating that the battery 504 needsto be replaced. It is to be appreciated that the comparator 506 mayinclude an offset before generating the signal 508, i.e., may notgenerate the signal 508 until the voltage at pin 3 is below thepredetermined voltage minus the offset. The replace battery signal 508may then be transmitted to the CPU 50 which then provides an indicationof same on the display 106. A user may then replace the battery asdescribed above in relation to FIGS. 15 and 16.

It is to be appreciated that the various features shown and describedare interchangeable, that is a feature shown in one embodiment may beincorporated into another embodiment.

While non-limiting embodiments are disclosed herein, many variations arepossible which remain within the concept and scope of the presentdisclosure. Such variations would become clear to one of ordinary skillin the art after inspection of the specification, drawings and claimsherein. The present disclosure therefore is not to be restricted exceptwithin the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Furthermore, although the foregoing text sets forth a detaileddescription of numerous embodiments, it should be understood that thelegal scope of the present disclosure is defined by the words of theclaims set forth at the end of this patent. The detailed description isto be construed as exemplary only and does not describe every possibleembodiment, as describing every possible embodiment would beimpractical, if not impossible. One could implement numerous alternateembodiments, using either current technology or technology developedafter the filing date of this patent, which would still fall within thescope of the claims.

It should also be understood that, unless a term is expressly defined inthis patent using the sentence “As used herein, the term ‘______’ ishereby defined to mean . . . ” or a similar sentence, there is no intentto limit the meaning of that term, either expressly or by implication,beyond its plain or ordinary meaning, and such term should not beinterpreted to be limited in scope based on any statement made in anysection of this patent (other than the language of the claims). To theextent that any term recited in the claims at the end of this patent isreferred to in this patent in a manner consistent with a single meaning,that is done for sake of clarity only so as to not confuse the reader,and it is not intended that such claim term be limited, by implicationor otherwise, to that single meaning. Finally, unless a claim element isdefined by reciting the word “means” and a function without the recitalof any structure, it is not intended that the scope of any claim elementbe interpreted based on the application of 35 U.S.C. § 112, sixthparagraph.

What is claimed is:
 1. An intelligent electrical device (IED)comprising: an input base module sub-assembly including base having aplurality of apertures, a first, second, and third current input bladedisposed in a respective aperture and a corresponding fourth, fifth, andsixth input current blade disposed in a respective aperture; a meteringsub-assembly including a first, second, and third current plate disposedon a first surface of the metering sub-assembly and a correspondingfourth, fifth, and sixth current plate disposed on a second surface ofthe metering sub-assembly opposite to the first surface, the firstcurrent plate coupled to the first current input blade, the secondcurrent plate coupled to the second current input blade, the thirdcurrent plate hingedly coupled to the third current input blade, thefourth current plate coupled to the fourth current input blade, thefifth current plate coupled to the fifth current input blade, and thesixth current plate hingedly coupled to the sixth current input blade,wherein the input base module sub-assembly can be pivoted about thethird current plate and third current input blade and the sixth currentplate and sixth current input blade to achieve an open position and aclosed position relative to the metering sub-assembly; and at least onecurrent sensor that senses current provided to a respective currentinput blade.